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Chasidy R.
Chasidy R. Sendmail

Anyone else with Thyroid Issues?

asked 12 months ago | Report

I had thyroid cancer about 6 years ago and had my thyroid removed. I have to take a hormone replacement daily for the rest of my life to keep my metabolism in check and all my other functions. This of course isn't always the correct dosage and for the last 3 years constantly changes. When this changes my energy levels change and I could gain 10lbs in one week no matter what I am doing or eating. Does anyone have advice?

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  • Brandi U.
    Brandi U. Sendmail

    I still have my thyroid, but it is very underactive, so I am in a similar boat as you. I've been on Synthroid for about 12 years now. The best advice I can give you is to find yourself a good endocrinologist. I was depending on my GP for years to adjust my levels, but she only had me testing my blood every 3 months, and she would only adjust if my levels were off on 2 consecutive tests, meaning my levels had to be bad for 6 months before she would adjust anything. I spent years in utter misery over this, I'm sure you can relate. A few years ago I demanded a referal to an endocrinologist, and the difference was amazing. She has me test my blood every 6 weeks, and will adjust my dose IMMEDIATELY. This means as soon as my level starts to drift, we're on top of it. Being right on top of it (and being VERY careful about taking my pill every morning at the same time without food) has very literally changed my life. I went from being cold and tired and miserable all the time, to being a normal human being who's capable of having an active life.

    One additional piece to the puzzle, which I don't think is your problem, but I'll toss it out there - I REFUSE to let it be an excuse. I can't stand it when people say "I can't exercise, because I'm hypothyroid". I know the lack of energy, I know it is sometimes debilitating. I know it is so frustrating to work so hard and see so little (or no) results. I know I'm not on a level playing field with most people, but I also know that something is better than nothing, and sitting at home complaining about it is doing nothing but standing in my own way.

    Anyway, I think that was a longwinded way of saying... I feel your pain. Stay right on top of your levels, and when you have any energy at all, use it! Also, FR sent!

    answered 12 months ago |Report

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  • Terri C.
    Terri C. Sendmail

    I have hypothyroidism and Hashimoto disease - my thyroid levels fly all over the place. I was on Synthroid for 15 years and continuously gained weight and had terrible symptoms.
    I recently found a ND that put me on Armour Natural Thyroid... lost 26 pounds in 6 months. And just completed my first triathlon at 60 years old.

    Check out this site: www.stopthethyroidmadness.com and educate yourself about thyroid disease. Synthetic T4 thyroid medicine is pretty much worthless and will not reduce your symptoms. You need to find a doctor that will treat your symptoms, not just your lab tests.

    answered 12 months ago |Report

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